401 
JVotcs of a trip from Simla to the Spiti Valley. [No. 5, 
allied plant. These berries are pleasant to eat either raw or stewed; 
and their expressed juice is of an extremely dark and beautiful pur¬ 
ple, and, when mixed with a proper amount of sugar and spirit, and 
flavoured with a few peach kernels, forms an extremely elegant liqueur. 
The hemp plant grows here in the utmost profusion as a common 
weed, and indeed everywhere in this part of the Sutlej valley below 
7000 feet, but does not seem to be cultivated, though the soil and 
climate appear to suit it perfectly. It being very wet and the ground 
completely sodden, I preferred putting up in the verandah of an empty 
cow-house to my tent, though the midges and fleas in such places are 
usually very annoying. 1 was provided, however, with musquitoe 
curtains, which relieved me almost completely from the attacks of 
these tiny but implacable enemies, and I would advise no one who 
values a good night’s rest, to travel unprovided with this article. 
18 til, Saraon, 6632 ft. 1 *—A rather severe march, the road about half 
way descending into a deep valley and ascending again on the op¬ 
posite side by a very steep and in some places difficult path, and 
joining the new road a few miles from Saraon bungalow, which is the 
last one completed along the new road. During the summer months, 
this is the residence of the Bissahir Rajah, a stout sensible young 
man who speaks English tolerably, and who rode down alone to the 
bungalow, on hearing of the arrival of a European, unattended by 
the ragged mob of followers which natives of his rank usually con¬ 
sider necessary for their dignity to carry along with them. 
19 th, Taranda .—Arather long but very picturesque march, for the 
first few miles along the new road, through pine forest, or along the 
sides of precipitous rocky glens opening down to the Sutlej, of which 
glimpses are now and then caught. The camping ground is situated 
on the crest of a rather lofty spur, in the midst of a forest of really 
magnificent cedars, at some little distance above the village. 
20 th, Nachar .—About six miles from the last camping ground is 
the Paindah bungalow which, though finished, is not regularly opened. 
Before reaching it, the road descends into and crosses a large valley, 
on the opposite side of which the bungalow is built. Bears, I believe 
are found in the vicinity, and I have rarely seen ground which I 
should think would afford them better cover. Before reaching Na- 
char, a large village is passed, situated on the verge of a forest of the 
most magnificent cedars I ever beheld. The profound stillness which 
